Injury Question

[Brendan McCarthy]

Might I ask for advice? I have a groin energy and became very aware of it in class on Monday during grands battements. I stopped and didn't continue with the class. Today I spoke on the phone with a physiotherapist; she suggested that it might take three weeks to heal. In the meantime, she thought I should more or less stop taking class.

 

Can any of you suggest any compromises? I don't really want to stop class altogether and wonder if there are elements of the class, in which I could safely take part, while, perhaps, standing aside from others?

[2 Left Feet]

R.I.C.E.

 

Rest being the best thing you can do...

 

Is it a pull? A tear? This determines how long the healing and how to approach getting better.

 

When I was at Richmond last year I pulled a muscle in my groin, right on the inside where the leg and the groin meet. Anne thought it was really a light tear. I was told to put Ice the first 48 hours, then alternate ice and heat for the next few days. The ice/heat combination forces blood in and out of the affected area, promoting better, more effective healing. Not a comfortable area to alternate ice and heat, but it worked. I still have limitations to my flexibilty in that leg as a result of the tear (when stretching at barre in second, etc), but it healed faster and I think stronger than if I'd just waited it out. I sat out several classes as well.

[Hans]

I've had that problem. You have to be extremely careful because it's an injury that can heal perfectly in a few weeks or one that can plague you forever. Basically, do what your physio says--she should give you some exercises to strengthen the muscle; I had to work with a theraband. Do not stretch it; you can basically do a slow barre, but nothing above 45 degrees and absolutely no quick tendus, dégagés or grands battements--only slow, low movements. After about a week you may be able to move a bit faster (still no grands battements, & don't raise the leg too high) and start doing some center, but no jumps, and then after approx. a week of that, you may be able to do some small jumps without beats. HTH

[Mel Johnson]

You are absolutely correct, Hans; thanks!

[Hans]

I have to be--when I had that injury, I was badly misinformed by a teacher who told me immediately that it would never heal. Scared me to death until I saw the physical therapist.

[Brendan McCarthy]

Thank you all. I'm very grateful for the advice and will heed it!

[Metaldancer]

I've had that problem. You have to be extremely careful because it's an injury that can heal perfectly in a few weeks or one that can plague you forever. Basically, do what your physio says--she should give you some exercises to strengthen the muscle; I had to work with a theraband. Do not stretch it; you can basically do a slow barre, but nothing above 45 degrees and absolutely no quick tendus, dégagés or grands battements--only slow, low movements. After about a week you may be able to move a bit faster (still no grands battements, & don't raise the leg too high) and start doing some center, but no jumps, and then after approx. a week of that, you may be able to do some small jumps without beats. HTH

 

 

Hi

 

This is Metaldancer and this is my first posting! Hope its ok to reply to an old post! On the topic of injuries, last year I sprained my ankle and instead of taking the time off dancing to heal, I carried on doing classes and for almost a year, it hasn't been right. I'm not a good patient.

 

Just before Christmas, I had a slot in a showcase for local community dance groups. I was going to do the male solo from La Bayadere, but during the technical rehearsal, I went over on my ankle at end of the jete menege and sprained it very badly AGAIN. It swelled like a balloon and was every colour imaginable! I could barely walk for a week and my physio told me to take 6-8 weeks before even considering class.

 

So I say to all who may think they are invincible, there is no short cut to getting over injuries! Sure, you can dance through injuries but not a good idea as I've found to my cost!

[MJ]

I agree with Hans and Mr. Johnson, I would also strongly recommend you see a physiotherapist. Heat and Ultrasound can get deep into tissues and promote healing.

 

I wear compression shorts when I injure my hamstrings, especially during periods of inactivity like sleep or sitting at a desk.

 

 

 

Best of Health!

[Mel Johnson]

Good ideas, and welcome to the club, Metaldancer!